50,000 words.
30 days.
1 novel.

A simple challenge. Actually, it probably couldn't even be considered a challenge - more like a joking suggestion - from my co-blogger, Jackie, and here I am just days away from starting what could be the next Great American Novel. Or not.

And that's just fine with me. You'd think, being a bit of a perfectionist and whole lot of pathological procrastinator, penning a 175-page novel in a contest that allows no room for compulsive editing and not a whole lot of time for the "I'll get to it eventually" excuse would be quite a problem. After all, there's nothing enjoyable about letting a month of your life become completely consumed with what will, in all actuality, turn out to be a piece of crap. But, you see, there is.

First of all, I have Jackie by my side in this whole adventure. We have the entire next week before us planned in preparation for the great month that is November. Then, once we've hit the ground running at midnight on the 1st, of course, our schedule is chock full of both the fun and ridiculous to help us get through the month with our sanity intact and, with any luck, two wonderful novels.

And, most importantly, I'll be able to throw aside everything that's stopped me from writing in the past and finally get something done. NaNoWriMo was started for the "1-day novelist" and, as one such novelist, I'm prepared to take full advantage.

Wish me luck. Wish Jackie luck. Stay tuned for our insanity, moments of desperation, and bursts of motivation. When we cross the finish line, it will all have been worth it.